Hela Police enforce liquor ban as Christmas operations begin

Police in Hela Province have launched full-scale Christmas and New Year security operations, warning residents that strict enforcement of the provincial liquor ban will be the centrepiece of this year’s festive policing.

The operation was officially activated yesterday following a directive from Provincial Police Commander [PPC] Superintendent Michael Welly, who addressed officers during a briefing in Tari.

Superintendent Welly made it clear that the operation will take a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol consumption and distribution, stressing that the liquor ban is backed by a court order.

“Liquor is the source of many of the problems faced in Hela,” Superintendent Welly said.

“We are warning people not to celebrate the festive period with alcohol. Stay indoors with your families and take part in church activities instead,” he added.

The PPC warned that anyone found consuming, selling or distributing alcohol during the festive period will face serious legal consequences.

The launch of the Christmas Operations follows extensive awareness campaigns conducted today across communities in the Tari-Pori, Komo-Hulia, Koroba-Lake Kopiago and Magarima districts.

Superintendent Welly praised the people of Hela for what he described as a significant improvement in public behaviour and respect for the rule of law.

He noted that cooperation displayed during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations and the recent Local-level Government elections was unprecedented for the province.

“You have changed greatly,” he told residents.

“I want that same spirit of respect and order to continue throughout this Christmas season,” Superintendent Welly said.

Full implementation of the Christmas security operations began today, with increased police patrols, roadblocks and checkpoints expected across Hela Province throughout the festive period.